Lekha Shupeck joins Institute in new Director of Programs role

The Institute for Southern Studies is excited to announce a new addition to the organization's leadership team: Lekha Shupeck, who joins the Institute as the first Director of Programs.

Shupeck grew up in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and brings to the Institute a rich history of leadership in initiatives related to democracy, investigative journalism, social justice, and civic engagement.

Prior to joining the Institute, Shupeck worked at Documented, a national investigative watchdog and journalism organization. Previously, she served as the North Carolina director of All On the Line, a group promoting redistricting reform, and was statewide campaigns coordinator for the ACLU of North Carolina. She holds a Ph.D. in History from UNC-Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law.

“I am thrilled to join the Institute, an organization with a rich history that has made huge contributions to the fight for justice across the South,” Shupeck said. “From the beginning of my time in this work my driving value has been that those who are closest to the problem are closest to the solution. Being part of an organization that was founded on the principles of listening to the grassroots and crafting research and writing into tools for change allows me to truly put that value into action. I cannot wait to see what we can do together.”

In her role as director of programs, Shupeck will partner with the executive director to oversee the Institute’s media, research, and outreach programs, as well as assist with foundation and institutional fundraising. Shupeck joins the Institute as it continues a year-long strategic planning process launched in January 2024 to strengthen the organization’s focus and impact.